Understanding our motivation reveals the internal struggles that cause our behavior, and without understanding the thoughts, attitudes and desires that drive your behavior, change becomes almost impossible. Your ability to change your motivation in order to improve your chances of success is determined by:
• what you want
• why you want it
• what you are willing to do to achieve it
Essentially, what motivates people is what they value most, and we give most of our available time, money or thought to things we value. The two factors that determine the motivational ability of our values are obligation and awareness. Awareness means that you consciously or purposely value something. Most of the time, we are aware of what we value, but sometimes we are unaware because immediate gratification or obligations can redirect our attention. Obligation means that you feel committed to value something. Here is this concept in the Value MatrixTM:
| |
No Obligation |
Obligation |
| No Awareness |
I. DO VALUES
*Accessible
*Convenient
*Natural |
II. LEARNED VALUES
*Familial
*Societal
*Cultural |
| Awareness |
III. SHOULD VALUES
*Purpose
*Principles
*Plans |
IV. MUST VALUES
*Legal
*Occupational
*Financial |
Here is the motivational model for values associated with our obligations (Quadrants II & III):
| Obligation + Distinct What Value = Response |
| Obligation + Indistinct What Value = No Response |
In this model, the “what” has to be effective enough, depending on whether a person is internally or externally motivated, to cause us to act. Intrinsically motivated people get satisfaction simply from doing an activity without receiving any type of reward. They may need only encouragement and reassurance for motivation. External people may require prizes and rewards for motivation. Because of this, their desire to behave in a particular manner may only last as long as an external reward is being given. Thus, internal motivation generally lasts longer. This is why the what must be distinctive, representing the type of person. Otherwise, attempts to motivate will be ineffective.
Here is the motivational model for values associated with our goals (Quadrant III):
| Goal + Strong Why Value = Response |
| Goal + Weak/No Why Value = No Response |
In this model, the “why,” or reason, has to be big, or strong, enough to cause us to act. To determine the strength of your why, ask yourself why you want a particular thing. The answer has to be associated with powerful enough value to motivate you to a lasting commitment. Otherwise, your why is not big enough, and it won’t be enough to keep you committed.
For successful change, Here is the motivational model associated with values:
| Distinct What Value + Strong Why Value = Success |
In the book, the Value Matrix is simplified and explained thoroughly using examples and other means so that readers know what values to change and how to change them. Get your copy today
Methods
Four methods can cause a change in motivation.
| Means |
|
Method |
| Conditioning |
|
Positive/Negative Reinforcement, Punishment |
| Conditioning |
|
Positive/Negative Reinforcement, Punishment |
| Coaching |
|
Encouragement, Praise, Affirmation |
| Christ |
|
Prayer, Faith |
Discovering your values will help to determine which method will work best for you. The more you value something, the more likely that thing is to motivate you. Once I know what you value, I know how to motivate or even manipulate you. Marketers understand consumers’ motivation include:
| Motivation |
|
Value |
| • To get a good deal |
|
savings |
| • To impress others |
|
status |
| • To have something that lasts |
|
durability, loyalty |
| • To have something that works well |
|
performance |
| • To identify with progressive thinking |
|
conformity |
Discovering your motivation will help you identify and understand what drives you.
|
